The Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout tour rolled through the Los Angeles area with a stop at East Los Angeles College (better known as ELAC) in Monterey Park. ELAC boasts a newly renovated baseball field with an artificial turf surface and lights. The Huskies were forced to play their first 32 games on the road during the 2013 season, after construction and administrative delays pushed back the ballpark renovation, before finally opening up at home on April 24, 2013.

Nearly two years later, ELAC served as the host for our Spring visit to the L.A. area. Infielders are usually quite happy to see an artificial turf surface for a workout, so it should come as no surprise that fielding ability was on display at this event.

2016 1B Adam Fogel (Palos Verdes HS – Palos Verdes Estates, CA) was clearly the highest level defender at this workout. Fogel stands at 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, and very nearly posted a sub-seven run time with a 7.06 in the 60 yard dash. He combined actions not commonly seen at a corner position with soft, sure hands and the ability to range both left and right. One of our scouts put him among the best defensive first basemen he’d seen at the high school level — which is especially high praise for a right-handed thrower.

Defensive ability alone is not enough to make a prospect at any corner position, let alone first base. That won’t be a problem for Fogel though, as he showed the makings of a high level hit tool and has a chance to develop power as he matures physically. His right-handed stroke was built to serve line drives to all fields, and can become more powerful as he learns to maintain a stronger foundation and to rotate his core better to apply more strength at contact.

Right behind Fogel was 2017 switch-hitting SS Jacob Jablonski (Paraclete HS – Palmdale, CA). Jablonski featured polished actions and the ability to flow through the ball. He appeared to read the ball quickly off the bat, such that he was able to pick his hop very early. He showed the ability to make throws from a variety of arm angles, along with the ability to carry his throws across the infield when needed.

Fogel swung the bat better from the left side of the plate, where he featured rhythm to hit along with a loose move through the zone. He was strong from the right side as well, where he showed an approach seemingly built for hard contact back up the middle.

2015 SS Derek Escobar (Grand Terrace HS – Colton, CA) was another slick fielding shortstop. A right-handed hitter standing at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, Escobar touched 84 mph at the raw velocity station. Upon reaction to the ball off the bat, his first step was true and he maintained smooth actions through his play on the ball.

2016 C Ryan Mendoza

A trio of catchers combined catch & throw skills with receiving & blocking skills, led by 2016 left-handed hitter Ryan Mendoza (Birmingham Community Charter – Lake Balboa, CA). Mendoza posted pop times between 1.91 and 1.97, and featured arm strength that played well above his 83 mph raw velocity. His left-handed stroke was loose through the zone, and he showed the ability to drive the ball to the pull side.

2017 C Brett Wells (Los Alamitos HS – Los Alamitos, CA) posted a low pop time of 1.94, and reached 81 mph raw velocity. He stands at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, and featured a simple right-handed stroke with flashes of power to the pull side.

Fellow 2017 C Omar Veloz was listed at a leaner 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, and posted release times between 1.97 and 2.10. He sat comfortably with a solid base and showed sure, strong hands and glove action to receive. He blocked balls in the dirt very well also, showing polish to his actions and the ability to control the ball off his body.

2015 3B Kristian Scott

Though not quite the same type of defender as the previous players mentioned, 2015 3B Kristian Scott (Bishop Amat HS – Glendora, CA) featured the best arm strength and raw velocity on the day (85 mph). He was also among the most well-rounded offensive players, boasting a combination of hitting ability and raw power. His right-handed stroke was simple with quiet pre-pitch action, and he drove the ball from gap to gap with a strong move through contact.

Right-handed hitting OF Josh Bozoian (Ayala HS – Chino Hills, CA) had among the best hitting ability we saw, and has a chance for more power as he learns to get his back side through. Only a sophomore (2017 graduate), he has a strong, athletic build at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, and profiles as a corner outfielder — most likely a LF type at this point.

Among left-handed hitters, 2016 1B/LHP Garrett Henkel (Carlsbad HS – Carlsbad, CA) showed the makings of a future hit / power combination. He stands at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds and posted a respectable 7.17 60 yard dash. He featured some rhythm to hit, along with a smooth and easy move through the zone. He proved to be a solid defender at first base with plenty of arm strength for the position, rounding out a solid set of tools without a glaring weakness.

2015 OF Jonathan Gilleres posted the only sub-seven 60 yard dash, at 6.91. He got down the line well also, posting a 4.25 from the left side of the plate.

The Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout Tour is rolling through all 50 states. Tryouts are held for players ages 12-14 and 14-18. Don’t miss your opportunity to Be Discovered.

Find an Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout near you and register online or call (800) 641-4487.